Cowlitz County, WA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

Cowlitz County Code § 18.10.245(B) lists 'agricultural uses including the raising of livestock and accessory buildings and uses' as a permitted use in the AG district, standing alongside single-family dwellings (item A) and recreation uses (item C). A search of the county's code turns up no separate right-to-farm nuisance-protection chapter; instead, agricultural protection in unincorporated Cowlitz County works through zoning, by keeping farming a listed, permitted activity in the AG district, and in AG-I and AG-38, which carry their own agricultural-activity lists at §§ 18.10.241 and 18.10.251, rather than through a standalone immunity statute.

All AG uses must still comply with the general development standards cross-referenced at § 18.10.250 and § 18.10.500 through § 18.10.580, and Table 18.10.501 sets the AG district's minimum lot size at 5 acres with a 5-acre minimum district size, no maximum lot coverage percentage listed, and a 15-foot rear yard and 10-foot side yard setback. Uses that are not agricultural, residential or recreational and are not otherwise compatible with the district's character require a special use permit under § 18.10.245(E), reviewed under the special use procedures at §§ 18.10.280 through 18.10.315. On-site hazardous waste treatment tied to farm operations is separately permitted under § 18.10.245(D), subject to state siting criteria and Chapter 70.105 RCW compliance.